STAFF REPORTER
30 September 2026 – Blouberg Local Municipality Municipal, Manager Refilwe Jonas Ramothwala (57) and two directors of BBT Security Services (Pty) Ltd, have appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged fraudulent security services tender worth more than R11 million.
Ramothwala, Sello Herlot Mongalo (37) and Ngoako Nicolas Thoka (39) were arrested on 23 September 2026, and are collectively facing 73 charges, including theft, fraud and money laundering.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges stem from allegations that Blouberg Local Municipality awarded a security services tender to BBT Security Services in March 2023 after the company allegedly submitted fraudulent tender documents. The company allegedly failed to meet key technical requirements stipulated in the tender specifications, including the ownership of firearms required to provide the contracted security services.
Despite the alleged non-compliance, BBT Security Services continued providing services and received payments from the municipality over three years, amounting to more than R11 million.
NPA regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the authority remained committed to ensuring accountability in cases involving fraud, corruption and the misuse of public funds.
“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to ensuring accountability in matters involving fraud, corruption, and the misuse of public funds, and will continue to prosecute such matters without fear, favour, or prejudice,” said Malabi.
Ramothwala faces an additional charge relating to the alleged contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
She also has a pending fraud case before the Hoedspruit Regional Court, with the trial scheduled to proceed on 16 October 2026. BBT Security Services and its two directors face charges of theft, fraud and money laundering arising from the alleged irregular award and implementation of the tender.
The matter was postponed to 1 October 2026 for a formal bail application.
The NPA reiterated its commitment to prosecuting cases involving alleged financial misconduct and ensuring that public funds are protected.
